Alligator Beaded Bracelet Tutorial

While on vacation recently,  I found this adorable alligator bracelet made from seed beads:

I decided this would make an easy project for beginning beaders to make; including groups of kids and young minded adults.  Here is a picture that shows how you wear it:

Here is the pattern for this project.  I sized it so you could print it out:

Obviously, basic beading skills are required.  The alligator in the picture was made using the Ladder stitch for each row and pulling the tension very tight.  Adapt this basic how-to on beading with the ladder stitch illustration work with this project.  This means that instead of stitching with one bead at a time, you ladderstitch each row per the pattern above.

For the thread, use any you have on hand.  You could even use elastic if you wish or thread which have a little “give” to it.

Note that this project has 2 sides, a front and a back side.  I am planning to make each side seperately, then stitch them together and add the toggle and beaded bead.  Alternatively, you could do both sides at once.

Here is what it looks like worn:

If you make yourself an alligator bracelet, send me a picture so everyone may enjoy it.

I do have more Free Tutorials on my blog on a wide variety of topics, just click on the button above or on the right side.

Have fun!!  Carla Barrett

Freeform Beading WIP

The last few nights, I have been working on a freeform beaded project. Here is the base (for you beading fans, I have used the herringbone stitch with a 2 row ladder base):

ffbeadbase.jpg

Followed by the freeform beading:

ffbesadproject.jpg

This will end up eventually as a bracelet or as part of a necklace. I am working on a series of projects that will eventually wind up being for sale.

Btw, here is another post about freeform beading:

Fiber and Beading Gallery,

Freeform Beading on a scarf.

Happy Beading!! Carla

Missing!!

Remember this bracelet from a few days ago? It looks like this:

beaded-bracelet.jpg

Well… I got up this morning and it was gone! I have looked high and low and it has gone missing from my work area. I was using it as a reference to make this bracelet, an obvious work-in-progress:

carlabracesm.jpg

I think I know who my top suspect is… let’s just say he is gray, furry, purrs like no tomorrow and looks like this:

oscar.jpg

Oscar has been brought in for questioning, but so far he hasn’t confessed. My guess is he played with it and probably batted it underneath the sofa or chair.

Hopefully, it will turn up soon!

Jury Duty

There comes a time in each person’s life where they must buck up and appear for jury duty.  I’ve been summoned about 6 times in my life, but as main caretaker for my younger children with unique needs (when they were younger), I was able to legitimately opt out.

Not so this time.  So, off I go to do my civic duty in the morning.  I will bring lots of stuff to do and pass the time.  Beading, crochet,  a good book, and my iphone loaded with a movie.  I will cross my fingers I do not get on a 6 month trial or something.

Speaking of beading, here is a bracelet I beaded today:

beaded-bracelet.jpg

I’ll take another picture in the morning when the lighting is better.  My backup camera needs help this way.

Enjoy your Tuesday!   Carla

Fiber and Beading Gallery

More fun fiber work to share today! I am re-posting photos from my extinct blog to create a new history:

This is my free form beaded bracelet, a gift to a friend. It also can be turned into a necklace as well.

ffbracelet.jpg

a Freeform crochet basket with beading:

carlabasket.jpg   basketcloseup.jpg

Crochet sweater/altered clothing:

carlacrochetsweater.jpg

Charm bracelet/necklace:

carlanecklace.jpg

Fiber Bead, a project Lynn and I did together:

carlafiberbead.jpg

Herringbone bracelet:

carlabrace2.jpg

Silk fusion, beaded bracelet:

wristfusion.jpg

Hope you enjoyed my mini gallery show of the various creative things that I do.  Enjoy your weekend!

Hugs, Carla